Computer assisted method for remotely monitoring a site for anticipated failure and maintenance with a plurality of controls

ABSTRACT

A computer assisted method to monitor a status from a secondary location of a plurality of equipment on a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventive maintenance is described herein. A user can view at least one cycle, at least one control state, and at least one pressure. The user can also view equipment information, equipment repair history, and other information necessary to ensure that a piece of equipment has minimal down time.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority and benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/214,750 filed on Apr. 28, 2009, entitled“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING, ARCHIVING AND VIEWING DATA FROMINDUSTRIAL OPERATING FACILITIES VIA THE INTERNET”. This reference ishereby incorporated in its entirety.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to a computer assisted methodfor monitoring a status from a secondary location of a plurality ofequipment on a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventivemaintenance of the plurality of equipment.

BACKGROUND

A need exists for a simple method operable without the need for trainingto detect changes in state of various components or parts of componentsused to drill oil and natural gas wells, or water wells that can beviewed locally, within a few feet of a site, or remotely, thousands ofmiles away, simultaneously, and allow for maintenance planning.

A need exists for a computer assisted method that continuously andautomatically monitors onshore and offshore drilling operations toensure safe, efficient, and cost effective drilling operations.

A need exists for a computer assisted method that can track equipmentutilization, equipment cycles, and valve cycles to provide forpreventative maintenance, elimination of costly downtime, environmentalprotection, and an increase in safety by identifying equipment in needof repair and maintenance.

A need exists for a computer assisted method that can track informationassociated with a drilling operation including a historical status ofthe drilling and safety equipment, particularly when the drillingoperation is at a remote location that can take several days to reach.

A further need exists for a computer assisted method that allowsmanagement, drilling experts, and other operations personnel to remainphysically remote from the drilling site while having easy and timelyaccess to the status of a drilling operation and safety equipment.

The present embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the computer assisted method.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the computer instructions within a site datastorage.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of the computer instructions within the monitorsand devices of the site data storage.

FIG. 4 is diagram of the computer instructions within the administrativedata storage.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of components within the administrative database.

FIG. 6 is a page generated from computer instructions for presenting aplurality of control states to a user.

FIG. 7 is a page generated from computer instructions for presenting aplurality of control cycles to a user.

FIG. 8 is a page generated from computer instructions for presentingpressure data to a user.

FIG. 9 is a page generated from computer instructions for presenting aplurality of valve cycles viewable by a user.

FIG. 10 is a pressure change detail page with a detailed 90 second viewof a pressure change.

FIG. 11 is a control state detail page depicting the control states inmore detail.

FIG. 12 is a pressure detail report for a 90 second interval.

FIG. 13 is a page allowing a user to edit at least one cycle count for avalve cycle or control cycle as part of a maintenance record.

FIG. 14 is a depiction of a multi-equipment multi-time-period report asviewable by a user.

FIG. 15A is a diagram of the computer instructions involved in thecomputer assisted method.

FIG. 15B is a continuation of FIG. 15B.

FIG. 15C is a continuation of FIG. 15B.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listedFigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present computer assisted method in detail, it isto be understood that the computer assisted method is not limited to theparticular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out invarious ways.

The present embodiments relate to a system, a method, and a computerassisted method for monitoring a status from a secondary location of aplurality of equipment on a site, such as a drilling rig for drillingnatural gas or oil wells, while simultaneously enabling preventivemaintenance for the plurality of equipment on the site.

The system, the method, or the computer assisted method can be used tocontinuously and automatically monitor onshore and offshore drillingoperations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost effective drillingoperations. Repairing drilling and safety equipment during a drillingoperation can be time consuming and costly. For example, in an offshoredrilling operation, replacing a $25.00 valve on a subsea blowoutpreventer can cause two or three days of lost drilling time and severalthousand dollars in added costs.

The system can be used for tracking equipment utilization, equipmentcycles, and valve cycles to provide for preventative maintenance,elimination of costly downtime, environmental protection, and anincrease in safety by identifying equipment in need of repair andmaintenance. For example, equipment failure during a drilling operationcan lead to blowouts that endanger personnel, endanger equipment, andcan have a sever impact on the environment.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can save fossilfuels by improving operational efficiency and eliminating unnecessaryactivities.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can protect theenvironment by eliminating the accidental release of toxic material thatcan result from equipment failure or operational failure.

A drilling operator can trouble-shoot a problem at the drilling site,even if the experienced personnel of the drilling operator are notphysically at the drilling site.

A system, the method, and the computer assisted method to monitor astatus from a secondary location of a plurality of equipment on adrilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventive maintenance isdescribed herein.

In an embodiment, the site equipment can be a valve, a blow outpreventer, other drilling equipment, a pressure line in a subseaumbilical, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the sensor data can be a digital signal, an analogsignal, a message, a report, or combinations thereof. Examples of themessage, the report, a presentation, or a document and useradministration item for selection by a user can include at least onecontrol status chart, at least one control status table, at least onepressure chart, at least one pressure table, at least one control cycle,at least one valve cycle, at least one selected rig, and a log out.Other reports and presentations can include a pressure change detailsreport

At a site, the system, the method, and the computer assisted method canhave data acquisition hardware for receiving and storing sensor datafrom a sensor attached to a piece of equipment at the site.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can have a siteprocessor in communication with a site data storage for receiving thesensor data from the data acquisition hardware. The site processor canbe a computer or a server. The sensor data can be transmitted to anadministrative server via a network. The network can include theInternet.

In an embodiment, the site process monitor can have computerinstructions in the site data storage to monitor a status of a digitalinput monitor, an analog input monitor, a data transfer device, ananalog detail monitor, a site task processor device, or combinationsthereof.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can havecomputer instructions in the site data storage for forming a databasefor the sensor data.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can have adigital input monitor in the site data storage, an analog input monitorin the site data storage, an analog detail monitor in the site datastorage, a data transfer device in the site data storage, a site taskdevice in the site data storage, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the digital input monitor can have computerinstructions in the site data storage for monitoring digital sensor datafrom the data acquisition equipment, computer instructions in the sitedata storage to compare digital sensor data to determine if a change inthe digital sensor data occurs and to store the data once a changeoccurs, or computer instructions in the site data storage to storedigital sensor data after a preset number of cycles.

The digital input monitor can read the sensor data on a periodic cycleand can mask any unused digital bits. The digital input monitor candetermine if a change in the digital sensor information and sensor dataoccurs. For example, if the digital data changes, these computerinstructions can store both the original digital data and the changeddigital data to the database, as well as a timestamp of the changes.

The digital input monitor can store sensor data to the site databaseafter a preset number of cycles, even if the digital data is unchanged.For example, for a blowout preventer ram on an oil rig, the digitalinput monitor can determine whether the ram cycled and store thisinformation to the site database. The digital input monitor can alsotimestamp this information to indicate when the ram cycle occurred.

In an embodiment, the analog input monitor can have computerinstructions in the site data storage for monitoring analog sensor datafrom the data acquisition equipment, computer instructions in the sitedata storage to compare analog sensor data to determine if a change inthe analog sensor data occurs and to store the data once a changeoccurs, or computer instructions in the site data storage to storeanalog sensor data after a preset number of cycles.

The analog input monitor can monitor voltage and current data from thedata acquisition hardware on a periodic time cycle. The analog inputmonitor can determine if a change in sensor voltage or current issignificant. If the change is significant, both the previous voltage andthe current voltage or current data can be stored to the database alongwith a timestamp indicating when the change occurred.

The analog input monitor can store sensor data in the site data storageafter a preset number of cycles even if the sensor data is unchanged,such as storing sensor data after every 25 cycles.

In an embodiment, the data transfer device can have computerinstructions in the site data storage to transmit the sensor data sensordata stored by the digital input monitor, the analog input monitor, theanalog detail monitor, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the data transfer device can have computerinstructions in the site data storage to verify a transfer of thedigital sensor data and the analog sensor data is complete, or computerinstructions in the site data storage to mark the digital sensor dataand the analog sensor data as transferred.

In an embodiment, the data transfer device can have computerinstructions to transmit at least one message and at least one reportstored by the digital input monitor, the analog input monitor, theanalog detail monitor, the data transfer device, the site processmonitor and the site task device.

The data transfer device can verify that a transfer of sensor data iscomplete. The data transfer device can verify the occurrence of atransfer by receiving either a positive response or a negative responsefrom the administrative server.

The data transfer device can mark sensor data as transferred once thetransfer occurs. If a positive response is received, the data in thedatabase can be marked as transferred. If a negative response isreceived, the data is not marked as transferred and additional transferattempts can be made at a later time. Marking of the information anddata can occur by setting a data transfer indicator associated with theparticular data item in the database.

In an embodiment, the site task device can have computer instructions inthe site data storage to generate a report on disk utilization, computerinstructions in the site data storage to execute an operating systemutility command, or computer instructions in the site data storage toperform another computer system maintenance activity. Another computersystem maintenance activity can create a list of the programs running onthe computer. The list can include the memory and central processorutilization for each program running on the computer.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can have a siteprocess monitor in the site data storage for monitoring the digitalinput monitor, the analog input monitor, the analog detail monitor, thedata transfer device, and the site task device.

The site process monitor can start or end all of the other monitors anddevices.

In an embodiment, the site process monitor can have computerinstructions in the site data storage to monitor a status of the digitalinput monitor, the analog input monitor, the data transfer device, theanalog detail input monitor, the site task device, or combinationsthereof. This multiple device monitoring occurs by periodically pollingeach monitor or device to determine if it is currently running and if itis functioning correctly.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can have ananalog detail monitor in the site data storage. The analog detailmonitor can have computer instructions in the site data storage formonitoring analog data from the data acquisition equipment. The analogdetail monitor can have computer instructions in the site data storageto compare analog sensor data to detect a change in analog sensor data.

The analog detail monitor can monitor sensor data on a rapid datasampling cycle and continuously save the sensor data to a data buffer.When the analog detail monitor detects a significant change in eithervoltage or current, additional data can be added to the buffer until afull window of data has been collected. When a complete window of datahas been collected, it can be saved to the database.

The term “rapid sampling rate” as used herein means changes in voltageor current data that can occur within 100 milliseconds to 500milliseconds. For example, the analog detail monitor can be capable ofmonitoring, collecting and storing a detailed pressure versus timeprofile over several minutes with a sampling rate of 100 milliseconds.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can have aplurality of configuration libraries. The plurality of configurationlibraries can include a digital input monitor configuration library, ananalog input monitor configuration library, a site task deviceconfiguration library, a data transfer device configuration library, ananalog detail monitor configuration library or a site process monitorconfiguration library.

In an embodiment, the digital input monitor configuration library caninclude a site identifier (ID); a database connection information; adigital data acquisition hardware and bit configuration; an unused bitmask; a power-on, a lamp test, and an alarm bit identification; adigital data acquisition hardware read and poll intervals; and anidentifier for the software driver used to communicate with the digitaldata acquisition hardware.

In an embodiment, the analog input monitor configuration library caninclude the site identifier (ID), the database connection information,the analog data acquisition hardware and I/O configuration, an unusedI/O channel mask, the significant voltage or current change thresholds,the analog data acquisition hardware read and poll intervals, and anidentifier for the software driver used to communicate with the analogdata acquisition hardware.

In an embodiment, the analog detail monitor configuration library caninclude the site identifier (ID), the database connection information,the analog data acquisitions hardware and I/O configuration, an unusedI/O channel mask, the sampling rate, the size of the sampling window,and an identifier for the software driver used to communicate with theanalog data acquisition hardware.

In an embodiment, the site task device configuration library can includethe site identifier (ID), the database connection information, and thewait interval for checking to see if there are any tasks to perform.

In an embodiment, the data transfer device configuration library caninclude the site identifier (ID), the database connection information,the wait interval between data transfers, and the maximum number of dataelements transferred in any one transfer cycle can be included as one ofthe plurality of libraries.

In an embodiment, the site process monitor configuration library caninclude the site identifier (ID), the database connection information,an identifier for each process to be monitored including a type ofprocess indicator, the maximum allowable restarts for any failingprocess, the time interval for checking on the monitored processes, anda system startup hold-off time interval.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can have siteweb server computer instructions in the site data storage to allow webaccess to the site data storage, site web server computer instructionsin the site data storage to receive a request for status of the siteprocessor, or combinations thereof.

The request for status can take the form of a web report. The web reportcan summarize the most recent messages and reports that were generatedby the various monitors and devices, the last time each monitor anddevice completed a cycle, and the last time any sensor data was sent tothe administrative server.

At a secondary location, the system, the method, and the computerassisted method can have an administrative server in communication witha site via a network, such as the Internet. The administrative servercan have an administrative processor.

It is important to make a distinction between the data that can begenerated at the site and the data that can be ultimately presented tothe end user. The sensor data can be captured by the site processor andcan be viewed as raw data. This raw data can be transferred to theadministrative server and stored. The administrative server can generatevarious user reports and displays from this raw data.

The administrative server can transform the raw data into usefulinformation, performing various analyses and correlations on the rawdata or information, and presenting this information to the end user, sothat the user can easily and quickly understood the information.

It is not anticipated that an end user have access to the site processoror that there is a local program or function on the site processor forthe end user to use. An end user at the site, like other remote endusers can log onto an administrative server to view informationregarding the equipment at the drilling site.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can have anadministrative data storage in the administrative server. Theadministrative data storage can have an administrative process monitor,an administrative site monitor, an administrative task device, or anadministrative task transfer device.

The administrative process monitor can initiate and monitor theadministrative site monitor, the administrative task device, and theadministrative task transfer device. The administrative process monitorcan periodically check on the status of each monitor and device. If oneof the monitors or the devices is malfunctioning, the administrativeprocess monitor can restart each malfunctioning monitor or device.

The administrative site monitor can periodically send a message to eachsite being monitored to determine if the site is functioning correctlyand that the communication link to the site is working. If theadministrative site monitor does not receive a response from theparticular site, the administrative site monitor can generate a messagein the administrative server database.

The administrative task device can be similar to the site task device.The administrative task device can perform various utility tasks on theadministrative server. The administrative task device can check thedatabase to see if there are any tasks it should perform. If a task isfound, the administrative task device can perform the task and reportthe results to the database.

The administrative task transfer device can transfer tasks to beperformed on one of the sites to the site's database. The administrativetask transfer device can check the administrative database to see ifthere are any tasks to transfer to one of the sites. If a task is found,the administrative task transfer device can transfer the task to theappropriate site database. If the transfer is successful, the task canbe marked in the database as having been transferred.

The administrative server can have a plurality of administrativeconfiguration libraries, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, theplurality of administrative configuration libraries can include anadministrative process monitor configuration library, an administrativesite monitor configuration library, an administrative task deviceconfiguration library, or an administrative task transfer deviceconfiguration library.

The administrative process monitor configuration library can includeinformation, such as an identifier for each process to be monitoredincluding a type of process indicator, database connection information,the maximum allowable number of restarts for any failing process, thetime interval for checking the processes, a system startup hold-off timeinterval, or combinations thereof.

The administrative site monitor configuration library can includeinformation, such as an identifier for each site being monitored,database connection information, the time wait interval between sitemonitoring requests.

The administrative task device configuration library can includedatabase connection information, or information related to the time waitinterval between checks to see if there are any tasks to perform, orcombinations thereof.

The administrative task transfer device configuration library caninclude database connection information, or information on the time waitinterval between checks to see if there are any tasks to transfer tovarious sites, or combinations thereof.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions forforming an administrative database. The administrative database canstore sensor data from the site. The administrative database can includea name of each piece of equipment at the site being monitored, a modelnumber, an age, and specification information on the equipment, such asinformation on how to replace the equipment and the cost of theequipment.

Additional database information can include a timestamp to indicate whena data item is saved to the database. Data items can include an analogvoltage data, a digital data, an error or information message, or anerror or information report.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions forforming an administrative web server. The administrative web server canreceive and store the sensor data to the administrative data storage.The sensor data can be transmitted from the site to the administrativeweb server via the network.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions forreceiving, verifying, and storing site signals.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions forcombining a plurality of site signals with site configurationinformation to generate site data for the plurality of equipment at thesite.

In an embodiment, the site configuration information can be siteinformation, site control information, site control valve information,user security information, or site pressure information. Siteinformation can include details about the site, such as the location ofthe drilling rig, the IP address, rig identification number, orcombinations thereof.

Site control information can include details about the controls, such asthe functions of the control or the mapping between the digital sensordata and the control. The site control valve information can includedetails about the valve, such as maximum cycles of the valve, the valvetype, the valve location, the valve function, or combinations thereof.

The user security information can include security-related informationfor a user to access the administrative server. To access theadministrative server, a user must input certain security-relatedinformation. Each user has a security profile that determines what theuser can access on the administrative server.

Site pressure information can include details about the site pressures,such as pressure type, pressure range, or combinations thereof.

For example, sensor data received from a site can be combined with thesite's digital and control configuration data to determine whichcontrols may have changed states. The derived control state informationcan be stored in the administrative database. The derived control stateinformation can be combined with the sites control valve configurationinformation to determine which valves were cycled as a result of thecontrol state change. The control valve cycle information can be storedin the administrative database.

In an embodiment, the site data can include control state data, controlcycle data, control valve data, pressure data, or combinations thereof.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions forpresenting at least one control state to a user, computer instructionsfor presenting at least one pressure data to a user, computerinstructions for presenting at least one valve cycle to a user, orcomputer instructions for presenting at least one control cycle to auser.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions to present asite description, computer instructions to present a page address, orcomputer instructions to present a last report date and time from thesite. An example of a time stamp can be the date and time a piece ofequipment made a transition to a new state on the site, when asignification voltage or current change was detected, or when a digitalvalue change was detected.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions to present amenu of reports, a presentation, a documentation, or a useradministration item for selection by a user.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions to present acalendar allowing a user to select a date for viewing. In an embodiment,the calendar is by days of the month. The user can pick a date on thecalendar.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions enabling auser to select a time scale for viewing. A variety of time scales can beselected, such as four weeks, one week, 24 hours, 12 hours, six hours,one hour, or some other time scale. Additional computer instructions canprovide tic marks on a resulting chart enabling a visual subdivision ofthe time scale.

Additional computer instructions can be provided enabling the productionof a time scale report for selected control. The time scale report caninclude a name of site equipment, a state of a control selected at thesite during a selected time scale, visual indicator which indicatedifferent states of the control during the selected time scale.

The indicators can be colors which are coded for each state of thecontrol. The states of the control can include (i) unknown state; (ii)block or vent state, (iii) open state, or (iv) closed state. The unknownstate can be blue, the block or vent can be yellow, the open state canbe green, or the closed state can be red for easy visual viewing toquickly stop damage or act promptly on the equipment. Other color tocontrol state associations can be possible, but this depends on the siteand the type of equipment being monitored.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions enabling auser to select a control or a group of controls for viewing. A controlor a group of controls for viewing can include blowout preventercontrols, such as an upper annular preventer or a lower annularpreventer. Other controls can include an upper ram, a middle ram, alower ram, various choke and kill lines, a riser connector, a wellheadconnector, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions enabling auser to clear a list of at least one control. For example, the upperannular control and the lower annular control may have been checked. Theuser can then click the “clear” button and view the choke and kill linecontrols instead.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions enabling auser to refresh at least one item presented to the user that is a timebased item. An example of an item that is a time-based item can be thestate of a blowout preventer ram or an annular control.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions enabling auser to view an identifier for the site being monitored. An identifiercan be an alpha code, a numeric code, a bar code, a photograph, adiagram, a schematic, a name, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions for presentinga time stamp to a user indicating when information to a requested statusresponse was provided to the administrative server from the siteprocessor.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions for allowing auser to shift the time scale. These computer instructions allow a userto shift a time scale 2 hours later, 2 hours earlier, 4 hours later, 4hours earlier, 24 hours later, 24 hours earlier, or other combinationsthereof of time shifts.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions for providinga start date and time for a chart requested by the user.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions for providinga chart legend to the user for the chart. A chart legend can include thecolor, such as red, green, yellow, blue, black, gray, or other colorused to represent each control state for each control. For example, thecolor green can be used to indicate that a blowout preventer ram isopen, and red can be used to indicate that the blowout preventer ram isclosed.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions providing atime code for a chart start date and time, a chart midpoint time, and achart end date and time, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onecontrol state to a user can include computer instructions to provide atime scale report for a selected control using color.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure data to a user can include computer instructions to present asite description, such as a photo, or a name or another type ofidentifier.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure data to a user can include computer instructions to indicate apage address to a user to indicate which report, presentation, or webpage is visible to a user. The administrative website can use a pageaddress, or a page description, to give the user a hint of where theuser is located within the website.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure data to a user can include computer instructions to present alast report date and time from the site, computer instructions topresent a menu of reports, a presentation, a documentation, and a useradministration item for selection by a user, or computer instructions topresent a calendar allowing a user to select a date for viewing.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure data to a user can include computer instructions to enable auser to clear a list of at least one pressure type, computerinstructions enabling a user to select a time scale for viewing,computer instructions to enable a user to select at least one pressuretype for viewing, computer instructions for presenting a type ofpressure, or computer instructions to enable a user to refresh at leastone item presented to the user that is a time based item

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure data to a user can include computer instructions to enable auser to view an identifier for the site being monitored, computerinstructions for presenting a time stamp to a user indicating wheninformation to a requested response was provided to the administrativeserver from the site processor, computer instructions for presenting apressure scale to a user, computer instructions for allowing a user toshift the time scale, or computer instructions for presenting ahyperlink to a detailed pressure change report, computer instructionsfor providing a start date and time for a chart requested by the user.

The computer instructions for presenting at least one pressure data to auser can include computer instructions to provide a state change foreach control related to the pressure change. For example, opening theupper annular control will correlate with changes in both the pilotpressure and the accumulator pressure.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onevalve cycle to a user can include computer instructions to present asite description. The site description can be a name, an address, acode, a picture or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onevalve cycle to a user can include computer instructions to indicate apage address to the user to indicate which report, presentation or webpage is visible to the user. The page address can be an address a pagenumber within the presentation of pressure data or within thepresentation of cycles to the user.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onevalve cycle to a user can include computer instructions to present alast report date and time from the site.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onevalve cycle to a user can include computer instructions to present amenu of reports, a presentation, a documentation, or user administrationitems for selection by the user.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onevalve cycle to a user can include computer instructions to enable theuser to select a control or a group of controls for viewing, computerinstructions to enable the user to clear a list of at least one control,or computer instructions to enable the user to refresh at least one itempresented to the user that is a time based item.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onevalve cycle to a user can include computer instructions to enable theuser to view an identifier for the site being monitored. The identifiercan be an alpha code, a numeric code, a bar code, a photograph, adiagram, a schematic, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onevalve cycle to a user can include computer instructions for presenting atime stamp to a user indicating when information to a requested responsewas provided to the administrative server from the site processor, orcomputer instructions to provide a name of a control to the controlcycle report with an additional hyperlink to an additional report.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onevalve cycle to a user can include computer instructions for providing alocation for each control or each valve. The location can identify aphysical location of the control or the valve at a site.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onevalve cycle to a user can include computer instructions for providing anumber of cycles that each control or each valve experienced.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onevalve cycle to a user can include computer instructions to provide avalve type, computer instructions to provide the function of a controlor valve, computer instructions to provide a cycle count maximum, orcomputer instructions to provide a percent of current cycle countcompared to a cycle count maximum.

A detail of a selected control can be provided, such as the number oftimes a blowout preventer ram was opened or closed, or the number oftimes the selected control's shuttle valve was cycled can be shown.

The name of a control can be provided on the control cycle report with ahyperlink to additional reports.

The system, the method, and the computer assisted method can have atleast one user client device in communication with the administrativeserver. The user client device can have a user display, a userprocessor, or a user data storage in communication with the userprocessor.

In an embodiment, the administrative data storage can include computerinstructions for allowing a user to reset a cycle count for a valve or acontrol, computer instructions for allowing a user to enter a countnumber from which to initiate a count, computer instructions to displaythe current cycle count of a control or a valve, computer instructionsto save cycle information, or computer instructions enabling a user toreturn to a previous screen without saving.

In an embodiment, the administrative data storage can include computerinstructions to provide a control or valve description, computerinstructions for allowing a user to see a visual schematic to select avalve for resetting a cycle count, computer instructions for allowing auser to input a description indicating a reason for resetting a valve orcycle count, or computer instructions to present a calendar allowing auser to select a date.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure change to a user can include computer instructions forselecting a pressure change detail, or computer instructions to clear alist of pressure changes.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure change to a user can include computer instructions for enablinga user to refresh at least one item presented to the user that is a timebased item.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure change to a user can include computer instructions to generatea time dependent pressure detail chart. The time dependent pressuredetail chart can include a profile parameter of a time duration and apressure change during the pressure transition. The time duration can befrom 30 seconds to 5 minutes on a fine time scale, such as a samplingrate of once every 100 milliseconds.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure change to a user can include computer instructions forpresenting all pressures during any pressure transition. An example ofthis can include pressure changes for the pilot pressure, theaccumulator pressure, and the rig air pressure.

The computer instructions to generate a time dependent pressure detailchart can include computer instructions for generating a title with timeand date of a selected pressure change, computer instructions forpresenting a pressure scale, or computer instructions for presenting achange in time, a change in pressure, or combinations thereof tocharacterize the pressure transition.

The computer instructions to generate a time dependent pressure detailchart can include a time scale, or a pressure legend.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure change to a user can include computer instructions forpresenting a pressure to a user. The pressure can be determined on atime versus pressure scale by name of pressure type.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure change to a user can include computer instructions forpresenting all pressures during any pressure transition, computerinstructions for presenting a type of pressure, computer instructionsfor presenting a pressure scale to a user, computer instructions forpresenting a start and end time scale, or computer instructions forproviding a start date and time for a chart requested by the user.

In an embodiment, the computer instructions for presenting at least onepressure change to a user can include computer instructions forproviding a time scale different from the start and end time scale, orcomputer instructions for presenting a pressure legend.

In an embodiment, the administrative data storage can have computerinstructions to present a calendar allowing a user to select a date forviewing, computer instructions enabling a user to select a time scalefor viewing, computer instructions for allowing a user to shift the timescale, computer instructions for providing a start date and time for achart requested by the user, computer instructions for generating astart date and time of a control state interval, or computerinstructions for generating a end date and time of a control state.

In an embodiment, the administrative data storage can have computerinstructions for generating an indicator by color, or computerinstructions for generating a time duration of a control state interval.

The computer assisted method can have computer instructions stored oncomputer readable mediums to monitor a status from a secondary locationof a plurality of equipment on a drilling site, while simultaneouslyenabling preventive maintenance for each of a plurality of equipment onthe drilling site.

The computer assisted method can have site computer instructions storedon a site data storage. The site data storage can be in communicationwith a site data processor.

The site data storage can have computer instructions for receiving andstoring sensor data from at least one sensor attached to an equipment atthe site.

The site data storage can have computer instructions for receiving asensor signal by using a site processor in communication with the sitedata storage, verifying that the sensor signal has been received by thesite processor, and storing the sensor signal in a database.

The site data storage can have computer instructions for forming adatabase for the sensor data.

The site data storage can have computer instructions for trackingdigital input using a digital input monitor, computer instructions fortracking analog input from the data acquisition hardware using an analoginput monitor in the site data storage, or computer instructions fortracking an analog detail using an analog detail monitor to obtaindetailed operational information.

The site data storage can have computer instructions for transferringthe digital input, the analog input, the analog detail, or combinationsthereof, using a data transfer device in the site data storage.

The site data storage can have computer instructions for using a sitetask device in the site data storage to monitor the database, toidentify a specific task, and to perform the specific task once thespecific task has been identified.

The site data storage can have computer instructions for monitoring thedigital input monitor, the analog input monitor, the analog detailmonitor, the data transfer device, and the site task device by using asite process monitor to ensure each monitor or device is operatingcorrectly.

The site data storage can have computer instructions for installing aplurality of site configuration libraries into the site data storage,computer instructions for using site web server computer instructions tocreate a site based website, and computer instructions for receiving atleast one request for status from the administrative server.

The site data storage can have computer instructions for responding toat least one request for status using the site based website.

The computer assisted method can have secondary location computerinstructions stored on an administrative data storage. Theadministrative data storage can be in communication with anadministrative processor.

The administrative data storage can have computer instruction fortransmitting at least one request for status to the site processor. Thesite processor can respond to the request and send the response back tothe administrative processor via the network.

The administrative data storage can have computer instruction forreceiving a response to the at least one request from the siteprocessor, or receiving sensor data, messages and reports from the sitedata storage.

The administrative data storage can have computer instruction fortransmitting at least one task to the site database using anadministrative task transfer device, computer instructions for formingan administrative database, computer instructions for installing aplurality of administrative configuration libraries, or computerinstructions for forming an administrative web server. Theadministrative web server can receive, verify, and store the pluralityof site signals transmitted by the site processor.

The administrative data storage can have computer instruction forcombining the site configuration information with the plurality of sitesignals to generate site data for equipment at the site, computerinstructions for presenting at least one control state to a user,computer instructions for presenting at least one pressure data to theuser, computer instructions for presenting at least one control cycle tothe user, or presenting at least one valve cycle to a user.

The computer assisted method can include using at least one user clientdevice to communicate with the secondary location. The user clientdevice can have a user display, a user processor and a user data storagein communication with the user processor.

Turning now to the Figures, FIG. 1 is a diagram of the computer assistedmethod.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the computer assisted method. The computerassisted method can have a site 6, such as an offshore oil rig. The sitecan be a plant, or another facility that utilizes multiple controls,multiple pressures or multiple valves.

There is site equipment 11, such as a valve 7, at the site 6. The siteequipment can have sensors 10 attached to the site equipment 11.

The sensor data 9 from the sensors 10 attached to site equipment 11 canbe transferred from the sensor to the data acquisition hardware 8.

The data acquisition hardware 8 can be connected to a data acquisitionpower supply 12. The data acquisition power supply is depicted as a “daqpower supply”.

A plurality of data signals 13A from the data acquisition hardware 8 canbe transferred by wireless connection or wired connection to a siteprocessor 14. The site processor 14 can have a site power supply 15. Thesite processor 14 can be in communication with a site data storage 16.

The site processor 14 can transfer a plurality of data signals 13 b fromthe site data storage 16 over a network 19A and to an administrativeserver 50. The administrative server 50 can have an administrativeprocessor 52 and an administrative data storage 54 in communication withthe administrative processor 52.

The administrative server 50 can communicate over the network 19B forcommunication with one or more user client devices 58 a, 58 b.

The user client devices 58 a, 58 b can have a user display 59 a, 59 b,in communication with a user processor 60 a, 60 b and a user datastorage 62 a, 62 b.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the computer instructions within the site datastorage 16. The computer instructions in the site data storage caninclude the site process monitor 38, a digital input monitor 20, ananalog input monitor 24, a data transfer device 28, an analog detailmonitor 45, and a site task device 31.

The site data storage 16 can be depicted with the computer instructionsfor forming a site database 18, and computer instructions 42 forcreating and storing at least one report from the digital input monitor20, the analog input monitor 24, the data transfer device 28, the sitetask device 31, the site process monitor 38 and the analog detailmonitor 45.

The site data storage 16 can also have computer instructions 44 forcreating and storing at least one message on the digital input monitor20, the analog input monitor 24, the data transfer device 28, the sitetask device 31, the site process monitor 38 and the analog detailmonitor 45.

The site database can have at least one digital signal 32, at least oneanalog signal 33, at least one message 37, or at least one report 39.

The site data storage 16 can include a plurality of configurationlibraries 63, which can include a digital input monitor configurationlibrary 64, an analog input monitor configuration library 65, a sitetask device configuration library 66, a data transfer deviceconfiguration library 67, an analog detail monitor configuration library68, and a site process monitor configuration library 69.

Examples of the information in these libraries can include the softwaredriver associated with the data acquisition hardware, the databaseconnection information, the hardware polling cycle, the masks toindicate unused control bits or analog I/O channels, control bitsassociated with a power-on, a lamp test, or an alarm.

The site data storage 16 can include site web server computerinstructions 70 for creating a web server at the site and a site webserver with computer instructions 71 to receive a request for status ofthe site processor.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of the computer instructions within the monitorsand devices of the site data storage 16. FIG. 3 shows the site datastorage 16 having a site process monitor 38. The site process monitor 38can have computer instructions 41 to monitor status of the digital inputmonitor 20, the analog input monitor 24, the data transfer device 28,the site task device 31, and the analog detail monitor 45.

The digital input monitor 20 can have computer instructions 21 forreceiving digital signals from the data acquisition equipment. Thedigital input monitor can have computer instructions 22 for comparingdigital data to determine if a change in a digital signal occurs. Thedigital input monitor 20 can also store the data once a change occurs. Achange in a digital signal refers to a change in an equipment state asindicated by a solenoid, a pressure switch, or other digital signal.

The digital input monitor 20 can have computer instructions 23 to storedigital signals from the data acquisition equipment after a presetnumber of cycles, such as 25 cycles.

The analog input monitor 24 is depicted with computer instructions 25for receiving analog sensor data from the data acquisition equipment,such as voltage or current associated with at least one analog signal.

The analog input monitor 24 can have computer instructions 26 to compareanalog signals to determine if a change in an analog data occurs. Theanalog input monitor 24 can also store the data once a change occurs.These computer instructions can operate by comparing the voltage orcurrent from the current reading with the voltage or current from theprevious readings.

The analog input monitor 24 can have computer instructions 27 to storean analog signal after a preset number of cycles even if the change inreading is below a change threshold.

The data transfer device 28 can have computer instructions 29 fortransmitting any sensor data stored by the digital input monitor, theanalog detail monitor, or the analog input monitor. The data transferdevice 28 can have computer instructions 43 for transmitting at leastone report or at least one message for all of the programs running onthe site processor.

The data transfer device 28 can have computer instructions 30 to verifythe transfers of sensor data, the at least one report, or the at leastone message is complete.

The data transfer device 28 can have computer instructions 40 formarking the sensor data, the at least one report, or the at least onemessage as transferred to the administrative server. The sensor data,the at least one report, or the at least one message can be marked witha transfer indicator to reflect if the data item has been successfullytransferred or if it still needs to be transferred.

The site task device 31 can include computer instructions 34 to generatea report such as on disc utilization. The site task device 31 caninclude computer instructions 35 in the site data storage to execute anoperating system utility command, or computer instructions 36 in thesite data storage to perform another computer system maintenanceactivity.

The computer assisted method can have an analog detail monitor 45 in thesite data storage. The analog detail monitor 45 can have computerinstructions 46 in the site data storage for monitoring analog data fromthe data acquisition equipment. The analog detail monitor can havecomputer instructions 47 in the site data storage to compare analogsensor data to detect a change in analog sensor data.

The analog detail monitor can monitor sensor data on a rapid datasampling cycle and continuously save the sensor data to a data buffer.When the analog detail monitor detects a significant change in eithervoltage or current, additional data can be added to the buffer until afull window of data has been collected. When a complete window of datahas been collected, it can be saved to the database.

FIG. 4 is diagram of the computer instructions within the administrativedata storage 54.

The administrative data storage 54 can have computer instructions toperform the steps of an administrative process monitor 76. Once theadministrative process monitor is created, the administrative datastorage 54 can have computer instructions to perform the steps of anadministrative site monitor 78.

Once the administrative process monitor is created 76, theadministrative data storage 54 can have computer instructions to performthe steps of an administrative task device 80.

Once the administrative process monitor 76 is created, theadministrative data storage 54 can have computer instructions to performthe steps of an administrative task transfer device 82.

A plurality of administrative configuration libraries 83 can be storedin the administrative data storage 54, which can include anadministrative process monitor configuration library 84, anadministrative site monitor configuration library 86, an administrativetask device configuration library 88, and an administrative tasktransfer device configuration library 90.

The administrative data storage 54 can include computer instructions 92for forming an administrative database. The administrative database canstore information from a site via a site to administrative servernetwork, which can be a satellite network, the Internet, a cellularnetwork, another wireless network, or combinations of networks.

The administrative data storage 54 can include administrative web servercomputer instructions 93 to receive and store information transmittedover the network can be stored in the administrative data storage 54.

The administrative data storage 54 can include web server computerinstructions 110 to receive, verify, and store site signals 97. Theadministrative data storage 54 can include web server computerinstructions 111 for combining a plurality of site signals 97 with siteconfiguration information 106 to generate site data 125 for theplurality of equipment at the site.

The administrative data storage 54 can include computer instructions 112for presenting at least one control state to a user, computerinstructions 114 for presenting at least one pressure data to a user,computer instructions 116 for presenting at least one valve cycle to auser, and computer instructions 223 for presenting at least one controlcycle to a user.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of components within the administrative database 92.The administrative database 92 can include computer instructions forcombining a plurality of site signals 97 with site configurationinformation 106 to generate site data 125 for the plurality of equipmentat the site.

The plurality of site signals 97 can include at least one digital signal95, at least one analog signal 96, at least one message 98, or at leastone report 100.

The site configuration information 106 can include site information 101,control information 102, pressure information 103, control valveinformation 108, and user security information 107.

The generation of site data 125 can include at least one control statedata 105, at least one control cycle data 113, at least one controlvalve data 109, and at least one pressure data 115.

FIG. 6 is a page generated from computer instructions 112 for presentingat least one control state to a user.

The computer instructions 112 can include computer instructions 118 topresent a site description, such as an address of the facility beingmonitored.

The computer instructions 112 can include computer instructions 119 toindicate a page address to a user as the page occurs within the website,computer instructions 120 to present a last report date and time fromsite, or computer instructions 121 to present a menu of reports,presentations, documentation, user administration for selection by auser.

The computer instructions 112 can include computer instructions 122 forallowing a user to select a date for viewing control states, andcomputer instructions 124 enabling a user to select a time scale forviewing control states.

The computer instructions 112 can include computer instructions 126 forselecting an individual or a group of controls for viewing, computerinstructions 128 allowing a user to clear a list of selected individualcontrols or groups of controls, computer instructions 130 for enabling auser to refresh at least one item presented to the user that is a timebased item, computer instructions 131 for presenting an identifier forthe site being monitored, computer instructions 132 for presenting theapplication description, and computer instructions 133 to present a timestamp to a user indicating when information to a requested response wasprovided to the administrative server from the site processor.

The computer instructions 112 can include computer instructions 135A,135B for allowing a user to shift the time scale, computer instructions138A to provide a start date and time, and computer instructions 140 toprovide a chart legend to the user for understanding any chartsgenerated.

The computer instructions 112 can include computer instructions forproviding a start date and time 138B, 138C, a chart midpoint time 141A,141B, and a chart end date and time 139A, 139B, or combinations thereof.

The computer instructions 112 can include computer instructions 144A,144B to provide tic marks to enable a visual subdivision of the timescale, and can include computer instructions 146A, 146B to provide atime scale report for each selected control including a name of siteequipment from which monitoring data is obtained, a state of the controlduring a selected time scale, a visual indicator to indicate eachdifferent state for the control during the selected time scale. Forexample, green can represent open, red can represent closed, yellow canbe unknown, or blue can be block or vent.

FIG. 7 is a page generated from computer instructions 223 for presentinga plurality of control cycles to a user. Computer instructions 223 caninclude computer instructions 118 to present a site description, such asan address of the facility being monitored.

The computer instructions 223 can include computer instructions 119 toindicate a page address to a user as the page occurs within the website,computer instructions 120 to present a last report date and time fromthe site, or computer instructions 121 to present a menu of reports,presentations, documentation, user administration for selection by auser

The computer instructions 223 can include computer instructions 126 forselecting an individual or a group of controls for viewing, and computerinstructions 128 for allowing a user to clear a list of selectedindividual controls or groups of controls.

The computer instructions 223 can include computer instructions 130 forenabling a user to refresh at least one item presented to the user thatis a time based item, computer instructions 131 presenting an identifierfor the site being monitored, computer instructions presenting anapplication description 132, and computer instructions 133 to present atime stamp to a user indicating when information to a requested responsewas provided to the administrative server from the site processor.

Computer instructions 223 can include computer instructions 156 toprovide a name of a control to the control cycle report with a hyperlinkto additional reports, computer instructions 169 to provide anidentification of the function of a selected control, computerinstructions 160 to provide a location for each selected control, andcomputer instructions 162 to provide a cycle count. The cycle count canbe the number of cycles each control has undergone.

FIG. 8 is a page generated from computer instructions 114 for presentingat least one pressure data to a user. The computer instructions 114 canhave computer instructions 118 to present a site description, computerinstructions 119 to indicate a page address to a user as the page occurswithin the website, computer instructions 120 to present a last reportdate and time from site, and computer instructions 121 to present a menuof reports, presentations, documentations, user administration forselection by a user.

The computer instructions 114 can have computer instructions 122 topresent a calendar allowing a user to select a date for viewing apressure, computer instructions 124 enabling a user to select a timescale for viewing a pressure, computer instructions 127 for selecting anindividual pressure or a group of pressures for viewing, computerinstructions 123 allowing a user to clear a list of a selectedindividual pressures or a selected group of pressures, and computerinstructions 130 for enabling a user to refresh at least one itempresented to the user that is a time based item.

The computer instructions 114 can have computer instructions 131 forpresenting an identifier for the site being monitored, computerinstructions 132 for presenting the application description, andcomputer instructions 133 for presenting a time stamp to a userindicating when information to a requested response was provided to theadministrative server from the site processor.

The computer instructions 114 can have computer instructions 134A, 134Bfor presenting a pressure scale, computer instructions 135A, 135B toprovide a time shift scale control to a user, computer instructions 138to provide a start date and time of the chart requested by a user, andcomputer instructions 137A, 137B for presenting a pressure graph.

The computer instructions 137A, 137B for presenting a pressure graph caninclude computer instructions 129A, 129B for presenting the pressurename, computer instructions 136A, 136B for presenting a hyper link,computer instructions 143A, 143B for presenting a start to end timescale, and computer instructions 144A, 144B to provide a tic mark toenable a visual subdivision of the time scale.

FIG. 9 is a page generated from computer instructions 116 for presentingat least one valve cycle viewable by a user. Computer instructions 116can include computer instructions 118 to present a site description,such as an address of the facility being monitored.

The computer instructions 116 can include computer instructions 119 toindicate a page address to a user as the page occurs within the website,computer instructions 120 to present a last report date and time fromthe site, or computer instructions 121 to present a menu of reports,presentations, documentation, user administration for selection by auser.

The computer instructions 116 can include computer instructions 126 forselecting an individual or a group of controls for viewing, and computerinstructions 128 allowing a user to clear a list of selected individualcontrols or groups of controls.

The computer instructions 116 can include computer instructions 130 forenabling a user to refresh at least one item presented to the user thatis a time based item, computer instructions 131 presenting an identifierfor the site being monitored, computer instructions 132 presenting adescription of the application, computer instructions 133 to present alast site time stamp to a user indicating when information to arequested response was provided to the administrative server from thesite processor.

The computer instructions 116 can include computer instructions 162 toprovide a cycle count, such as the number of times the valve opened, anda number of times the valve closed.

The computer instructions 116 can include computer instructions 156 toprovide a control name, computer instructions 164 to providing a valveidentification, such as a part number, and computer instructions 169 toprovide the function of each valve or each control, as well as computerinstructions 160 to provide a location of each valve or each control.

The computer instructions 116 can include computer instructions 170 toprovide a cycle count maximum by valve as well as computer instructions172 to provide a percent max, which is a percent of current cycle countcompared to a maximum cycle count to a user for each valve selected.

FIG. 10 is a pressure change detail page with a detailed 90 second viewof a pressure change.

The pressure change detail page can have a site description 118, a siteidentifier 131, an application description 132, a last site timestamp133A, 133B, a last report date from site 120, and a menu 121.

The pressure change detail page can indicate a page address 119 to auser as the page occurs within the website.

The pressure change detail page can have a pressure change detail window220. The pressure change detail window 220 can indicate a pressure type129. The pressure change detail window 220 can have a pressure historygraph 137, and a pressure change graph 152. The pressure history graph137 can have a pressure scale 134A, a time division tic mark 144, and atime scale 143. The pressure change graph 152 can have a pressure scale134B, a time division tic mark 206, a time increment 224, and a pressurelegend 225.

The pressure change detail page can have a select pressure changecontrol 203, a clear all 198 of a list of selected individual pressurechanges, and a refresh button 130 for enabling a user to refresh atleast one item presented to the user that is a time based item.

FIG. 11 is a control state detail page. The control state detail pagecan have a control history tabular window 251. The control historytabular window 251 can show each control state 256, the date and timethe control entered the state 252, the date and time the control leftthe state 254, and the length of time the control remained in the state257.

The control selection menu 126 can be used to add or remove a controlfrom the report. The Clear All link 128 can be used to unselect all ofthe controls. The Refresh link 130 can allow a user to refresh at leastone item presented to the user that is a time based item.

The control state detail page can include a description of the site 118,an application description 132, the time stamp 120 for the last reportreceived from the site, and the last site time stamp 133A, 133B can bepresented to a user to indicate when information to a requested responsewas provided to the administrative server from the site processor. Thecontrol state detail page can also include a menu 121 for selectingother reports and displays, and a page address 119 to help the useridentify the current web page.

The control state detail page can include a calendar 122, a time scaleselector 124, and a site identifier 131. The time scale selector canallow a user to select a time scale for the control state detail page.

The control state detail page can include a time shift 135A, 135B, and astart date and time 138.

FIG. 12 is a pressure detail report for a 90 second interval. The rigpressure detail report 152 can show the details of a pressure changeover a small time window. The rig pressure detail page can have a graphof pressure versus time. The title 241 of the rig pressure detail reportcan indicate the date and time of the pressure change. The pressurescale 134 can be reported in pounds per square inch or another commonpressure unit. The tic marks 243 can be used on the pressure scale tovisually partition the scale.

The time scale of the graph 224 can be in seconds. The length the timescale 224 can range from 30 seconds to 180 seconds or longer ifrequired. One or more pressures 154 can be shown in the pressure versustime display.

The pressures 154 can be distinguished by using colors or different linetypes. A legend 225 can correlate the color or line type with thepressure. The pressure versus time graph can characterize one or more ofthe pressure changes by using a profile, such as a delta time interval246A, a delta pressure change value 246B, or combinations thereof. Timetic marks 206 can be illustrated within the pressure versus time graph.

FIG. 13 is a page allowing a user to edit at least one cycle count for avalve cycle or control cycle as part of a maintenance record 229. Thevalve cycle or control cycle maintenance page 229 can show a diagram 176that can document the valve configuration for the selected control. Theuser can select a valve from the diagram and change or reset the currentnumber of cycles. This feature can be used when a valve is replaced orhas been refurbished as part of the maintenance program.

The valve cycle or control cycle maintenance page 229 can include adescription of the site 118, a description of the application 132, thesite identifier 131, the time stamp 120 for the last report receivedfrom the site, the time stamp 133 can be presented to a user to indicatewhen information to a requested response was provided to theadministrative server from the site processor. The valve cycle orcontrol cycle maintenance page 229 can include a menu 121, for selectingother reports and displays and a page address 119 to help the useridentify the current web page.

The valve cycle or control cycle maintenance page 229 can include acontrol type or valve type. The valve cycle or control cycle maintenancepage 229 can include an add/cancel operation selection, a calendar dateselection 122, a reason description 233, a change cycle count selection174, an entered count selection 235, and a current count of valve cycles236.

The valve cycle or control cycle maintenance page 229 can include a“save current cycle information” 237 functionality, and a return to listwithout saving 238 functionality.

FIG. 14 is a depiction of a multi-equipment multi-time-period report 260as viewable by a user. The multi-equipment multi-time-period report 260can show multiple states of a plurality of equipment at the site, over aperiod of multiple days, as viewable by a user. The control statehistory can be viewed as a web page or as a PDF file.

The page 260 can give the user a convenient mechanism for viewing thecontrol history, which can highlight a trend or event that occurred overseveral days. The control history can be generated for any number ofdays. For example, 5 days, 10 days, 14 days or another appropriateinterval.

The multi-equipment multi-time-period report 260 can show a control nameand state 261A, 261B, 261C. The multi-equipment multi-time-period report260 can have at least one segment date 262A, 262B, 262C and a set oftime tic marks 245A, 245B, 245C. Each segment can have a start segmenttime and date 266A, 266B, 266C, a mid segment date and time 265A, 265B,265C, and an end segment time and date 264A, 264B, 264C.

FIG. 15A is a diagram of the computer instructions involved in thecomputer assisted method.

The computer assisted method can include a site data storage, whereinthe site data storage is in communication with a site data processor.

The site data storage can have computer instructions 501 for forming adatabase for the sensor data. The site data storage can have computerinstructions 502 for installing a plurality of site configurationlibraries, computer instructions 503 for creating a site based website.

The site data storage can have computer instructions 504 for receivingand storing sensor data in the site data storage from at least onesensor attached to an equipment at the site.

The site data storage can have computer instructions 505 for receiving asensor signal, verifying that the sensor signal has been received, andstoring the sensor signal in a database in the site data storage.

The site data storage can have computer instructions 506 for trackingdigital input using a digital input monitor, computer instructions 507for tracking analog input using an analog input monitor, computerinstructions 508 for tracking an analog detail using an analog detailmonitor, or computer instructions 509 for transferring the digitalinput, the analog input, the analog detail, or combinations thereof,using a data transfer device.

The site data storage can have computer instructions 510 for using asite task device to monitor the database, to identify a specific taskand to perform the specific task.

FIG. 15B is a continuation of FIG. 15A.

The site data storage can have computer instructions 511 for monitoringthe digital input monitor, the analog input monitor, the analog detailmonitor, the data transfer device, and the site task device by using asite process monitor to ensure each monitor or device is operatingcorrectly.

The site data storage can have computer instructions 512 of having thesite processor receive at least one request for status from theadministrative processor.

The site data storage can have computer instructions 513 of having thesite processor respond to the request for status from the administrativeprocessor.

The computer assisted method can have computer instructions 520 forusing an administrative data storage in communication with anadministrative processor.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 521 forinstalling a plurality of administrative configuration libraries.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 522 forforming an administrative database 92.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 523 forforming an administrative web server, wherein the web server receives,verifies, and stores the plurality of site signals transmitted from thesite processor.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 524 fortransmitting at least one task to the site database using anadministrative task transfer device.

FIG. 15C is a continuation of FIG. 15B.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 525 forhaving the administrative processor receive a response from the siteprocessor to the request for status.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 526 forreceiving data, at least one message or at least one report from thesite data storage.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 527 forcombining the site configuration information with the plurality of sitesignals to generate site data for equipment at the site.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 528 forpresenting at least one control state to a user.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 529 forpresenting at least one pressure data to the user.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 530 forpresenting at least one control cycle 223 to the user.

The administrative data storage can have computer instructions 531 forpresenting at least one valve cycle 116 to the user.

The computer assisted method can have computer instructions 532 forusing at least one user client device 58 to communicate with thesecondary location, wherein the user client device comprises a userdisplay 59, a user processor 60, and a user data storage 62 incommunication with the user processor.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on theembodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer assisted method having computerinstructions stored on non-transitory computer readable mediums tomonitor a status from a secondary location of a plurality of equipmenton a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventivemaintenance, wherein the computer assisted method comprises: a. sitecomputer instructions stored on a site data storage, wherein the sitedata storage is in communication with a site data processor, wherein thesite computer instructions comprise: (i) computer instructions to form adatabase for sensor data; (ii) computer instructions that installs aplurality of site configuration libraries; (iii) computer instructionsto create a site based website; (iv) computer instructions to receiveand store sensor data from at least one sensor attached to an equipmentat the site; (v) computer instructions to receive a sensor signalverifying that the sensor signal has been received, and store the sensorsignal in a database; (vi) computer instructions that track digitalinput using a digital input monitor; (vii) computer instructions thattrack analog input using an analog input monitor; (viii) computerinstructions to monitor an analog detail using an analog detail monitor;(ix) computer instructions to transfer the digital input, the analoginput, the analog detail, or combinations thereof, using a data transferdevice; (x) computer instructions to use a site task device to monitorthe database, to identify a specific task, and then to perform thespecific task; (xi) computer instructions to monitor the digital inputmonitor, the analog input monitor, the analog detail monitor, the datatransfer device, and the site task device by using a site processmonitor; (xii) computer instructions to receive at least one request forstatus from an administrative server; and (xiii) computer instructionsto have a site processor respond to the at least one request for statusfrom an administrative processor using the site based website; b.administrative computer instructions stored on an administrative datastorage at the secondary location, wherein the administrative datastorage is in communication with the administrative processor, whereinthe administrative computer instructions comprise: (i) computerinstructions that install a plurality of administrative configurationlibraries; (ii) computer instructions that form an administrativedatabase; (iii) computer instructions that form an administrative webserver, wherein the web administrative server receives, verifies, andstores a plurality of site signals transmitted from the site processor;(iv) computer instructions that transmits at least one task to a sitedatabase using an administrative task transfer device; (v) computerinstructions that transmits at least one request for status to the siteprocessor; (vi) computer instructions to receive a response to the atleast one request from the site processor; (vii) computer instructionsto receive at least one data, at least one message, at least one report,and combinations thereof from the site data storage; (viii) computerinstructions that combine the site configuration information with theplurality of site signals to generate site data for equipment at thesite; (ix) computer instructions that presents at least one controlstate to a user; (x) computer instructions that presents at least onepressure data change to the user; (xi) computer instructions thatpresents at least one control cycle to the user; and (xii) computerinstructions that presents at least one valve cycle to the usercomprising:
 1. computer instructions that presents a site description,wherein the site description comprises a member of a group: a name, anaddress, a code, a picture or combinations thereof of the site; 2.computer instructions to indicate a page address;
 3. computerinstructions that presents a last report date and time from the site; 4.computer instructions that presents a menu of reports, presentations,documentation, and user administration items for selection by the user;5. computer instructions that enables the user to select a control or agroup of controls for viewing;
 6. computer instructions that enables theuser to clear a list of at least one control;
 7. computer instructionsthat enables the user to refresh at least one item presented to the userthat is a time based item;
 8. computer instructions that enables theuser to view an identifier for the site being monitored, wherein theidentifier is an alpha code, a numeric code, a bar code, a photograph, adiagram, a schematic, or combinations thereof;
 9. computer instructionsthat presents a time stamp to the user indicating when information to arequested response was provided to the administrative server from thesite processor;
 10. computer instructions that presents a name of acontrol to the control cycle report with an additional hyperlink to anadditional report;
 11. computer instructions that presents a valve type;12. computer instructions for providing a function of each control oreach valve;
 13. computer instructions that presents a location for eachselected control or each valve;
 14. computer instructions that presentsa number of cycles that each control or each valve experienced; 15.computer instructions that presents a cycle count maximum by selectedvalve; and
 16. computer instructions that presents a percentage of acurrent cycle count as compared to the maximum cycle count for eachvalve selected, wherein the percentage is provided to the user; c.computer instructions that enables at least one user client device to bein communication with the administrative server.
 2. The computerassisted method of claim 1, wherein the secondary location computerinstructions further comprises: a. computer instructions that allows theuser to reset a cycle count for each valve or each control; b. computerinstructions that allows the user to enter a cycle count number fromwhich to initiate a count; c. computer instructions that displays thecurrent cycle count of each control or each valve; d. computerinstructions that saves cycle information; e. computer instructions thatenables the user to return to a previous screen without saving; f.computer instructions that presents each control description or eachvalve description; g. computer instructions that allows the user to seea visual schematic to select a valve for resetting each control cyclecount or each valve cycle count; h. computer instructions that allowsthe user to input a description to indicate a reason for resetting avalve or cycle count; and i. computer instructions that allows the userto select a date for the cycle reset.
 3. The computer assisted method ofclaim 1, wherein the computer instructions that presents at least onepressure change to the user further comprise: a. computer instructionsto select at least one pressure change detail; b. computer instructionsthat clears a list of pressure change details; c. computer instructionsthat generates a time dependent pressure detail chart, wherein a timeduration is from 30 seconds to 5 minutes on a fine time scale; d.computer instructions that presents a pressure to the user, wherein thepressure is determined on a time versus pressure scale by name ofpressure type; e. computer instructions that presents at least onepressure during any pressure transition; f. computer instructions thatpresents a type of pressure; g. computer instructions that presents apressure scale to the user; h. computer instructions that presents astart and end time scale; i. computer instructions that presents a startdate for a chart requested by the user; j. computer instructions thatpresents a time scale for the pressure change, wherein the time scalefor pressure change is different from the start and end time scale; andk. computer instructions that presents a pressure legend.
 4. Thecomputer assisted method of claim 1, wherein the secondary locationcomputer instructions further comprise: a. computer instructions thatpresents a calendar allowing the user to select a date for viewing; b.computer instructions that enables the user to select a time scale forviewing; c. computer instructions that allows the user to shift the timescale; d. computer instructions that presents a start date for a chartrequested by the user; e. computer instructions that generates a startdate and time of a control state interval; f. computer instructions thatgenerates an end date and time of a control state interval; g. computerinstructions that generates an indicator by color; and h. computerinstructions that generates a time duration of a control state interval.5. The computer assisted method of claim 3, wherein the computerinstructions that generates a time dependent pressure detail chartfurther comprise: a. computer instructions that generates a title withtime and date of a selected pressure change; and b. computerinstructions that presents a change in time, a change in pressure, orcombinations thereof to characterize the pressure transition.